'Wanted for murder'

John Mooney on The life and Times of Robert Murphy

Until recently, Robert Murphy was a name unknown to the man in the street.
But that all changed when posters, bearing his photograph, mysteriously
appeared in Dublin overnight.

Pasted on walls by members of COCAD, the posters alleged that Murphy was a
drug dealer "wanted for murder".

COCAD's campaign brought Murphy's name into the public domain for the first
time. At just 35 years of age, Murphy is a selfmade millionaire.

Over the past five years he has invested money in expensive cars and
upmarket houses. He does not claim to have a job but says his income is
derived from legitimate business.

Whatever his business is it is kept secret.

All his money is deposited in offshore accounts, in one case he is known
to have deposited £600,000 as a nestegg for himself.

Born on November 23, 1962, he grew up in Doneycarney, a working class area
situated in Dublin's northside but he does not live there anymore.

He left Ireland in 1966 after his friend, Thomas Mullen, was arrested.
Mullen, referred to as The Boxer is facing heroin charges in England where
he is awaiting trial.

The two men were extremely close friends. Murphy's former home in St
David's Wood in Artane was located across the road from the Boxer's house.

Murphy bought the house shortly after his release from prison after serving
a sixyear sentence for armed robbery and possession of firearms.

Although he was jobless, he managed to have the house expensively
furnished. He also paid for close circuit cameras to be installed around
the house.

Like most of his contemporaries, he got involved in crime at an early age
and was convicted at 18 years and sent to St Patrick's Juvenile Centre. His
only serious conviction was for the armed robbery.

So how does a man who was released from prison in 1992 make a million? He
is not listed as a director in any company and didn't win the Lotto.

Gardai have questioned him on his activities, his friendship with Mullen
and heroin but have never charged him with any offence.

All that is known is that he travels between Dublin, London, Manchester and
Amsterdam, often with Turkish nationals.

The Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) have a deep interest in Murphy and are
conducting an investigation into his wealth. His whereabouts are unknown.
He was in Dublin in August but kept a low profile.